Jenna Giustino One of the best parts of the holiday season is the decor displays that come with it. There’s something about twinkling lights, hanging garland, and ornaments dangling from the ceiling that feels magical every single year. The Jersey Shore is home to plenty of restaurants and bars that go all out, whether you’re looking for photo ops, a place to take in the festive spirit, or a fun backdrop for dinner with friends. Read on for our guide to festive Jersey Shore locations.
Asbury Ale House | 531 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
Asbury Ale House is a lively restaurant and bar in downtown Asbury Park known for over-the-top cocktails and fun events. During the holidays, the space transforms with festive décor and seasonal drinks. The result is a guaranteed spot for winter vibes and holiday photo moments.
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Avenue | 23 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch
Avenue is a beachfront restaurant and bar. This year, its rooftop transforms into Miracle, an over-the-top holiday pop-up. Until December 28th, the space is covered in twinkling lights, themed cocktails, and all the Jersey Shore holiday energy.
Brothers Daly | 1124 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright
Brothers Daly is an Irish-inspired restaurant and bar. It hosts a full Holiday Spectacular, complete with events like Lunch with Santa. Its dimly lit bar gets the seasonal treatment, including garland, twinkling lights, and rich pops of red (think sophisticated holiday night out).
CatBird | 1215 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park
CatBird is a wood-fired, casual dining spot overlooking Deal Lake. It’s known for artisan pizzas and a rotating seasonal menu, and it’s also a hub for non-alcoholic spirits and botanical beverages. CatBird’s heated igloos, complete with views of the water, holiday-patterned tablecloths, and hanging festive décor, make for a dreamy winter experience that feels transportive. To book an igloo (and inquire about private party options), call the restaurant.
Charlie’s of Bay Head | 72 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head
Charlie’s is known for oysters, filet mignon, and waterfront dining. During the holidays, the restaurant becomes a must-see with ornaments in gold, green, red, and white hanging throughout the space. FYI: the decorated wine room adds a touch of elegance to the holiday experience.
Harry’s Ocean Bar + Grill | 1025 Beach Avenue #1613, Cape May
Harry’s is popular for its rooftop bar and fresh seafood. This year, it is hosting the Jingle Bar pop-up until December 31. There’s everything from hanging snowflakes to colorful lights, and a cocktail Christmas tree tower that steals the show.
Johnny Mac’s | 208 Main Street, Asbury Park
Johnny Mac’s is located in Asbury Park. Johnny Mac’s is known for its fun energy and free pizza. In the winter, it becomes a cozy holiday hangout with playful décor and lights from floor to ceiling.
LayLow | 603 Mattison Avenue, Asbury Park
LayLow is an underground cocktail lab in Asbury Park. IYKYK, a fun part is you get to walk into Reyla, and down the steps to Laylow’s speakeasy environment. Plus, locals love that it gets turned into Sleighlow each holiday season- a chance to get good vibes and a festive mix to the underground vibe.
Landshark | 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Landshark is a bar and grill in Atlantic City. It’s known for its beach vibes, and this holiday season, it’s transforming into Christmas Island. Landshark’s festivities include drinks, lights, and photo spots that make this season memorable.
Marina Grille | 905 NJ-35, Belmar
Marina Grille is a waterfront restaurant and bar in Belmar. IYKYK: the sunset views here are a must-see, especially in winter, when the space is decked out with holiday decorations. Marina Grill’s décor is a winter destination featuring glowing lights and cute lit-up snowmen that feel welcoming.
Nicholas Barrel & Roost | 160 NJ-35, Red Bank
Nicholas Barrel & Roost is located in Red Bank. Locals love its comfort food-driven menu- especially in the warmer months. Nicholas Barrel & Roost has nearly lit hanging Christmas trees that twinkle throughout the dining room and bar, creating a fun yet upscale holiday environment.
Park Social | 1311 NJ-35, Neptune City
Park Social is a chic restaurant and lounge in Neptune City. It’s the ideal destination for an upscale dinner and a fun brunch, and it has tons of photo-op-ready areas for a girls’ chat. Park Social’s restaurant and bar is decked out with holiday décor this season, featuring a nine-foot Christmas tree, garland-wrapped arches, sparkling wreaths, and ribbon-draped ceilings glowing under golden light, all perfect backdrop for a private holiday party or night out for cocktails and listening to DJ sets with friends.
Renault Winery | 72 Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery is located in Egg Harbor City. Its Vintner Wonderland features ice skating under twinkling lights, cozy cabanas, igloos, firepits, and more. Plus, there are opportunities to meet Santa and take ideal holiday photos (and, of course, there are festive wines).
Sinner’s Steakhouse | 20 Inlet Drive, Point Pleasant Beach
Sinner’s Steakhouse is located in Point Pleasant Beach. Besides being beloved for its grilled steaks, it’s also a fun spot during the holiday season. The Sinner’s Christmas Experience features Christmas cocktails, food specials, and Santa’s favorite desserts, available until January 4th, 2026.
Spring Lake Tap House | 810 NJ-71, Spring Lake
Spring Lake Tap House is a low-key sports bar featuring pub food and a cozy atmosphere. This season, it launched its Santa Hideaway, featuring a lineup of festive lunches, brunches, dinners, happy hours, and late-night shenanigans. It’s weekly programming featuring Christmas trivia, Christmas movie nights, and holiday bands, and of course, over-the-top holiday décor to match the diverse lineup of activities – to learn more, click here.
The Bistro at iPlay America | 108 Schanck Road, Freehold
The Bistro is located inside iPlay America in Freehold. Until January 1st, 2026, it’s transformed into Miracle, featuring a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar. The Miracle at The Bistro features 3 holiday-themed cocktails, floor-to-ceiling holiday décor, and festive events.
The Irish Pub Atlantic City | 164 St James Place, Atlantic City
The Irish Pub is a former speakeasy and antique bar known for its 24/7 operation. Besides its convenient hours, it’s also popular during the holiday season for its cozy décor- think pub vibes and homey holiday touches – like wreaths hanging over booths. And of course, Guinness being poured at its lit bar and a Christmas village set that feels like home.
Tropicana | 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City
Tropicana is a well-known casino in Atlantic City. Inside is The Quarter, an Old Havana-themed entertainment and shopping district, which hosts a Holiday Musical Lightshow. It’s a free light show that is a recurring daily event until December 26, 2025 (a must-see for the holiday season). Besides the decked-out Christmas tree in the center of The Quarter, all of Tropicana has fun festive décor to get everyone in the spirit.
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